RECREATIONAL
LEAGUE RULES
Revised 9/13/16
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION
1.01 Name of the League
The league shall be named The Heartland Soccer League.
1.02 Mission
To provide soccer league play for all recreational teams with the member clubs of Heartland
Soccer Association.
1.03 Management of the League
The League shall be managed and operated by the staff of Heartland Soccer Association.
1.04 Affiliation
The League is affiliated with the Member Leagues of Heartland Soccer Association a member of
the Kansas State Soccer Association.
1.05 Contact Information and Communication
All members of the League shall have contact information on file with the League. Contact
information must include team administration and coach information. The information must
include valid e-mail addresses for each party.
1.06 League office
The league office is located at 9161 W 133rd St. Overland Park, KS 66213. Phone:
913.888.8768
1.07 League Website
The league website can be found at www.heartlandsoccer.net
1.08 Matters Not provided for
The HSA Staff shall have the final authority in all matters not specifically provided for by these
rules and policies.
SECTION II: TEAM APPLICATION & ADMISSION
2.01 Team eligibility
All teams affiliated with US Youth Soccer are eligible to apply for registration into the League. All
player and team registration shall be in accordance with the current US Soccer and KSYSA
regulations unless otherwise specified.
The League reserves the right to accept or reject any application.
2.02 Registering Players and teams with US Soccer
Each club or team is responsible for registering their teams with US Soccer and for
obtaining the US Soccer Registration Forms from their designated Registrar or from the
KSYSA website.
2.02 League Structure
The League will offer competition for Boys and Girls teams from U9s through U19s.
High School aged girls teams will play in the fall season and high school aged boys
teams will play in the spring season.
2.03 Good Standing
Each participating team must be in "good standing" with the league and with US Soccer.
2.04 Application Deadlines
All applications to participate in the League must be received along with full payment on or
before the registration deadlines established by the League and the Heartland member
clubs.
2.05 Application Process
Heartland Member teams must register through their club. Only teams from our member
clubs are eligible to play in our recreational league.
2.06 Seeding Procedure
The League Seeding Committee will be placed by members of the Heartland Clubs.
2.07 Acceptance of the League Rules
All teams applying to participate in the League agrees to accept and abide to the League
rules and policies and any decisions made by the league commissioner. Lack of knowledge
of these League rules will not relieve any coach, team official, parent or player of a team
participating in the league or seeking entry into the league, from the responsibilities and
possible penalties herein. All clubs, team officials, parents and players by participating in the
league agree that they are bound by these rules.
2.08 League fees
All league fees will be due by the announced due date for all divisions. If fees are not paid
by the announced due date, the offending team/club may not be eligible to play in the
league and may forfeit all games until all fees are paid in full, unless arrangements have
been made and approved by the League.
Once accepted the application fee is non-refundable.
Any team dropping out of the league will not be reimbursed for games missed nor will
they be allowed back the following season.
2.09 Returned Checks
The League shall charge a $100 service fee for all returned checks.
SECTION III: TEAM ROSTER & FORMATS
3.01 Team roster
An official State roster must be sent to the league office prior to the team's first game of the
season. Failure to provide the roster prior to the first game will result in an automatic forfeit
of the matches until the roster has been completed, unless the delay was caused or has
been excused by the League.
3.02 Roster Size
The roster size is determined by the team's home state. Each team must submit a
"game-day roster" to the referee prior to each game.
The League will adhere to the following maximum "game-day" roster limits:
•
•
•
Divisions playing 7v7 – 14 players
Divisions playing 9v9 – 18 players
Divisions playing 11v11 – 18 players
3.03 Player eligibility
Eligibility of players shall be in accordance with US Soccer and KSYSA regulations,
unless otherwise specified and approved by the League.
3.04 Guest Players
No guest players will be allowed in the league, however recreational players are
permitted to guest play in the premier league.
3.05 Player & Coaches passes
Each player and coach must have a valid (laminated and signed by an official of their
home state) US Youth Soccer player pass in order to participate in the League. The
player & coaches passes must be brought to every game along with the game day
roster. A team has until the end of the half time period to produce the player/coaches
passes. Teams not able to produce the passes will forfeit the match.
3.06 Age Divisions
All recreational teams within HAS will play at the school grade of the oldest player on the
roster. Proof-of-birth shall be provided upon request.
3.07 Playing on Multiple teams
Players may only play on 1 team in our recreational league. Also note, players who are
rostered on a premier team may not play in our recreational league.
3.08 Player Transfers
Players registered to a team are bound to that team for the entire seasonal year unless
he/she requests and is granted a transfer/release. All additions and deletions of registered
players to the official State roster at any time during the year will be deemed as transfers.
A team may add an unregistered player to their roster at any time.
3.09 Team Placement
Representatives from each of the Heartland Clubs will determine the placement of
teams within each age division.
SECTION IV: OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
4.01 Reporting of scores
Referees will submit the game cards with the match result. Coaches may e-mail us with an
"incorrect score". Link can be found on our website.
4.02 Game day roster cards
Both teams must complete a game day roster form and provide it to the referee prior to
each game. Game day roster forms are available in the coaches packets. Please refer to
rule 3.04 for more information on game day rosters.
4.04 Schedule requests
All scheduling requests must accompany the team registration. We will schedule around all
requests provided on the registration form. Requests made after submitting the registration
form is subject to our re-scheduling policies.
4.05 Rescheduling Policy
1.
You must first contact the opposing team manager and/or coach. Team
contact information can be found on the website.
2.
Both coaches will need to agree on an available reschedule date that suits both
teams. Do not send in on-line form until both teams agree on a date.
3.
Once you have agreed on a date, BOTH teams must fill out on-line reschedule
form and submit it. BOTH teams must agree on a date before sending in the
reschedule form.
4.
Upon receiving the reschedule request, Heartland will confirm with both teams by
email, giving them the date, time and field.
5.
The game will then be posted on our website with the new information.
6.
If the opposition will not agree to the reschedule, the game will be played on the
original date and the location or it will be regarded as a forfeit.
RE-SCHEDULE POLICY
1
We have a flexible re-scheduling policy and will work with teams to the utmost of
our abilities.
2
A valid reason must be provided for a re-schedule. Re-scheduling games causes
issues/concerns for both teams, managers and families. Abusing this system will create
an adjustment to our flexible re-scheduling policy. Valid reasons would include
participating in a new tournament, shortage of players due to ACT tests etc. Missing a
key player would NOT be considered a valid reason.
3
Any changes that need to be made during the season must be received a
minimum of 10 days prior to the original game date. Games will not be rescheduled if
the request is received less than 10 days prior to the scheduled game date.
4
Note, requests MUST go through the team manager and coach.
5
Teams that cannot make a scheduled game must notify both the opponent and
our office. Team contacts are located on the website. If contacting our office after hours,
send an email to [email protected]. If a team fails to notify their opponent and
they show up for the game, you will be charged a $50 no-show fee.
4.06 Forfeits
Forfeits shall be recorded with a score of 3-0. In the case of a double forfeit, both teams will
record a 0-3 loss to their records.
Teams forfeiting three (3) or more games, regardless of the reason, will not be accepted
back into the league the following season. They will also bear the responsibility for all fees
with respect to each forfeited game, which include field costs and full referee payments.
The minimum number of players that must be on the field to avoid forfeit are:
11 v 11
Minimum of 7 players
9v9
Minimum of 5 players
7v7
Minimum of 4 players
SECTION V: RULES OF PLAY
5.01 The Ball
U12 and younger divisions will use a size 4 ball. U13 and older divisions will use a size 5
ball. The home team (listed first in the schedule) shall provide the match ball.
5.02 Player Equipment
The jersey of all players, except for the goalkeeper must contain a visible number,
unique from the other members of the same team.
Shin guards are mandatory for all players
In case of a color conflict, the home team (listed first in the schedule) shall change
No jewelry shall be worn.
5.03 Duration of the Game
•
Under 9 and 10 – 2 x 25 minute halves
•
Under 11 and 12 – 2 x 30 minute halves
•
Under 13 and 14 – 2 x 35 minute halves
•
Under 15 and 16 – 2 x 40 minute halves
• Under 17, 18 and 19 – 2 x 40 minute halves All games are considered final if at least
half the game is completed. If the game is stopped prior to half time due to weather
conditions, the complete game will be replayed.
5.04 Substitution
Except as noted, substitutions shall be "unlimited". The team in possession may substitute
at any time after any dead ball situation (corner kicks, free-kicks, throw-ins etc). However,
teams not in possession of the ball can only substitute after these situations provided that
the team in possession is also substituting. Free substituting is allowed for both teams
after goals, goal kicks and at half time.
The substitutes must be at the centerline ready to enter before the referee will allow the
substitution to take place.
The referee has the authority not to allow the substitution if he/she believes that the
procedure will stop the flow of the game or is being used as tactical time wasting ploy.
It is suggested (but not mandatory) that all substitutes in the U13 and above age groups
wear a different color shirt or pinney when not on the field of play.
5.05 Point system
Each team will be awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss.
5.06 Tie-breakers
If at the conclusion of the league season a tie breaker is needed the following criteria will
be utilized:
1. Goal
Headdifference,
to head (not
if more
teams are involved in the tie)
2.
upused
to a max
of 4than
per two
game.
3. Most goals scored
4. Most shut-outs
5. Fewest goals allowed
6. Sudden death Penalty Kicks
5.07 Delay of kick off
If a game is delayed due to the tardiness of a team, players, coach or
manager, a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes of "grace" time shall be
awarded. After fifteen (15) minutes if the team is still not able to start the
game, it shall be declared a forfeit. The
grace period might be adapted if the team that is late has a
valid reason.
SECTION VI: 7 vs 7 RULES
6.01 Field dimensions
Fields will be approximately 50 yards x 30 yards.
6.02 Off-side
Off-sides will only be called in flagrant situations. Players not looking to take advantage of
being in an offside position will not be called.
6.03 Fouls
Players must retreat 8 yards from any dead ball situations.
SECTION VII: DISCIPLINE & CODE OF CONDUCT
7.01 Responsible Parties
All coaches and other team officials shall be subject to all rules pertaining to misconduct.
Any other individuals who may be reasonably construed as being associated with a team
shall be subject to the jurisdiction and authority of The League. Any coach or team official
can be held responsible for any individual associated to their team at any match.
7.02 Profanity
Profanity and unsporting conduct by any individual will not be tolerated either on or off the
field.
7.03 Compensation
No player shall receive any compensation for services rendered to a team or receive
any promises of compensation.
7.04 Alcohol
There will be no drinking of alcoholic beverages in the soccer parks.
7.05 Referee Authority
The referee(s) are in complete charge of the field and adjacent areas from
the time they
arrive the game site until they depart. The referee(s) is
1.
Ruleto:
on what equipment is considered playable
empowered
2. Issue Yellow or Red cards to players, or eject a coach during that entire period. The
referee may terminate a game for coach, players, or spectator misconduct. Teams causing
the termination will forfeit the game.
7.06 Park Rules
All Park rules where games are played shall be respected and obeyed.
7.07 Red Cards & Suspensions
In an effort to help team discipline and sportsmanship, players or coaches are subject to
match suspensions according to the following:
•
Any player or coach receiving a red card/ejection in any league match due to
striking, punching, hitting, kicking, spitting, or any action that reflects harmful intent shall
automatically be suspended for a minimum of two (2) league matches.
•
Any player, coach or fan verbally abusing a referee during any league match as
documented on the Referee's Report of the match shall automatically be suspended for
a minimum of two (2) league matches.
•
Any player or coach receiving a red card/ejection in any league match other than
the circumstances listed above shall automatically be suspended for a minimum of one
(1) league match.
•
The League Commissioner shall have the right to add additional or reduce the
number of matches in a suspension without a hearing. If a stronger suspension is
warranted, a hearing shall be called at the discretion of the league committee.
•
Failure of a coach/team official to remain out of sight, out of sound after receiving
an ejection may result in a forfeit.
•
Coaches who receive an ejection must pay a $25 fee to the Heartland Soccer
Association before they receive their card back and before they are eligible to coach the
next game.
•
Any player, coach, or manager, who participates in a match while under
suspension, including a red card shall cause his or her team to forfeit that match and will
be subject to additional penalty. A coach or manager is presumed to have participated in
the match if he or she at any time from the opening whistle to the final whistle has any
contact or communication with any of the players, coaches, or manager during that time.
•
A coach receiving a red card will only be suspended from coaching the team that
he/she was coaching when he/she received the red card.
SECTION VIII: PROTESTS
8.01 Definition
A protest is a formal written objection of any violation of established rules policies or
procedure. Protests will only be accepted in regard to illegal players, there will be no
protests in regard to referee decisions.
8.02 Who can file a protest
A coach or team-administrator can only file protests. Only those teams involved are
allowed to file a protest. Third parties, i.e. coaches/administrators from other teams,
cannot file a protest on a specific game.
8.03 Filing Procedure
A protest must be filed in writing with the league commissioner and must include: i)
Details of the complaint ii) A listing of the rules, policies or procedures that have been
violated iii) A statement of the desired resolution iv) A $100 filing fee
All protests must be filed within 72 hours of the incident.
No protests will be heard on referee judgment calls.
8.04 Discipline Committee
1
All matters of concern to the HEARTLAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION Disciplinary
Committee must originate from the referee's game report or from a formal protest
submitted in writing by the offended party.
2
Any player, team official or spectator alleged to have been guilty of any violation
of the laws of the game, the bylaws, rules and regulations of the association or any
misconduct detrimental to the game, shall be subject to appropriate penalty as
determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
3
The HEARTLAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION Disciplinary Committee shall consist
of the league commissioner, the association Executive Director and a committee of four
(4) people. The league commissioner shall be entitled to vote only in case of a tie.
4
The league Commissioner shall notify the player/coach of any penalty or
suspension determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
5
The decision of the HEARTLAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION Disciplinary
Committee shall be promptly sent via U.S. Mail. Verbal notification may supplement but
shall not supplant this responsibility.
6
Any, club, team, or individual not wholly satisfied with any decisions made by
HEARTLAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION has the right to appeal to the KSYSA District I
Appeals and Protests Committee. This appeal must be in writing and must be received
by the District I Commissioner within ten (10) days of the decision handed down by the
League. The appeal must be accompanied by a fee of $75.00.